I love it when I can get software to do work for me. Quicker, better, smarter reporting– that’s the goal of this blog. So here’s one new tool that saves me so much time and does something I would never … Read More →

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Freedom of Information Act, which gives citizens, as well as journalists, insights into the workings of their government. Under this law, citizens can ask for any records kept by the government. They … Read More →

Today is Eid al-Fitr, one of the holiest days for Muslims. It’s the end of Ramadan, the season of fasting and prayer (see previous post or read more here). I haven’t seen many stories in local or national media about … Read More →

So a big national or international story occurs. Your news director wants some local connection. Social media can help you find someone related to the story. For example, let’s think about the recent explosions in Turkey. You can search on … Read More →

I am not very familiar with guns and think I should be. I think all journalists should be. In light of the shootings in Orlando, some of the resources I mentioned in a previous post are still valid: a primer … Read More →

With Florida under a Tropical Storm Watch, I thought it time to update and repost some resources for both journalists and citizens related to hurricanes. FEMA advice on what to do before, during and after a hurricane Apps for readers, … Read More →

Last night began Ramadan, the holiest month for the world’s 1.3 billion. Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, and most of its followers are not in the Middle East. Here are some resources for covering Ramadan in the next … Read More →

updated 9-3 to correct information about PacerMonitor “Every reporter is going to have to cover a bankruptcy case that means something to their local community,” says Wall Street Journal reporter Katy Stech, who covers bankruptcy exclusively. The traditional way, the … Read More →

If you tuned into WXII-TV at 11 p.m. on June 17, you’d have heard live phone interviews with two people in Charleston, S.C., explaining the chaos following a shooting at a local church. The story, as you know now, captivated … Read More →